1. < Digestive Health

Should I have a colectomy?

Posted by jrsklms @jrsklms, Dec 3, 2016

I'm a 58 yo female, 2 weeks ago, I had a colonoscopy, ademonatus (sp?) polyps were found and removed - none were cancerous. However, there was one polyp that is on the ascending colon wall, that was flat and was not removable. My doctor wants to do a colectomy to remove it. I have no symptoms nor have any family that has had colon cancers. I am not a big fan of surgery and wonder if there is anyone out there that has been through this and did or did not have the surgery and what their experience was.

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Dec 3, 2016

Hello @jrsklms and welcome to Connect. Thank you for taking the time to share about your concerns regarding your colonoscopy results and whether or not to have a colectomy.

While I search for other members who have experienced something similar, would you mind sharing a bit more about your situation to help other members Connect with you? Did you discuss your concerns about surgery with your physician? What did he or she say about its level of severity? Also, would you mind telling us a bit more about ademonatus polyps?

REPLY
sbee | @sbee | Dec 3, 2016

Hello @jrsklms! So sorry about your dilemma, and let me say that it is not uncommon for GI doctors to advise colectomy for a large, flat (sessile) polyp. I have not been through this situation, but I have heard of this recommendation. However, there is a new alternative procedure that may eliminate the need for colectomy. It is called Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It is a highly advanced technique of endoscopy which is being performed more often. I advise you to get a second opinion, with a doctor who performs the EMR procedure.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 4, 2016
In reply to @sbee "Hello @jrsklms! So sorry about your dilemma, and let me say that it is not uncommon..." + (show)
@sbee

Hello @jrsklms! So sorry about your dilemma, and let me say that it is not uncommon for GI doctors to advise colectomy for a large, flat (sessile) polyp. I have not been through this situation, but I have heard of this recommendation. However, there is a new alternative procedure that may eliminate the need for colectomy. It is called Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It is a highly advanced technique of endoscopy which is being performed more often. I advise you to get a second opinion, with a doctor who performs the EMR procedure.

Jump to this post

Hello @jrsklms, I'm happy to see that @sbee, posted about EMR. I had an EMR in April of this year at University of Michigan and it was so much better than traditional invasive surgery. My tumor was in the duodenal bulb, also very flat, and it was a neuroendocrine tumor NET (also called carcinoid). I had two previous surgeries for the same thing (also in the duodenum) and had the traditional invasive surgery however, the EMR is so much better. I recommend that you do some research with major teaching/research hospitals in your area and find a surgeon who specialize in this type of procedure. My EMR was an outpatient procedure (with the previous surgeries I had been in the hospital for 7 days). Best wishes and keep in touch. We will be interested in knowing how this works out for you.

REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 6, 2016

Hi @jrsklms,

If you would like some more information about EMR, do visit this page on Mayo Clinic: http://mayocl.in/2hex3Bx

I would also like to tag @travelgirl, and older members @bluguy, @lynnc who have discussed EMR and may hopefully be able to offer more details about this procedure.

In the meantime, allow me to introduce you to @needhope, @arletta, @namaste, @apriltbo1995, @robinsonaocampo, @gaylordgout, @wishingforhealth who have had colectomy, and we hope will join this conversation with some information for you.

@jrsklms, has your physician given you a timeline for the surgery?

REPLY
shirleyfoggepiazza | @shirleyfoggepiazza | Dec 6, 2016

I have a friend in New York who went through the exact surgery for the exact same reason. She regrets it very much.

REPLY
Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Dec 7, 2016

@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure. MIne was located in the Cecum. The last thing I wanted was surgery. I had zero symptoms expect for H-Pylori which I caught in some third world country. A bacteria infection in my stomach. I researched a lot of options. That's when I called Mayo Clinic, the GI department is number 1 in EMR procedures. My flat polyp was in a bad spot. It laid along the appendix opening. I as well, had zero symptoms related to anything wrong with the colon. Or do I have immediate family with a history. Only distant family members with colon issues.. I ended up having to have surgery to remove a foot of my colon.

You need to seek out a top doctor who is highly skilled in EMR procedures. IF the polyp is too deep, they can't remove it via an EMR procedure. In order for them to remove it through an EMR procedure, it has to lift when they inject it with saline (I think that is what they Use) . Mine didn't lift. So they had no choice but remove it by surgery.

My polyp on two prior colonopspy's showed precancerous cells. I had these colonopspy done one in October, one in November and one in December. Then another one done six months after the surgery. With each and every surgery they found 3 to 4 additional polyps.

I am what the doctors refer to as a Polyp Farmer. Ya hit 50 and the body starts doing all kinds of crazy things..

When they removed it. The biopsy showed an andenocarcinoma arising. I'm lucky they got it all before it caused any problems. I do not need treatments. I just need a colonopspy every year. A CT scan every six months and blood work every three months. My blood work is perfect and I honestly don't notice any changes in my body after this surgery.

Except I gained 15 pounds, ugh, from not doing anything for 4 months after my surgery.

That is the only battle I'm am now fighting.. After 50 it is harder to loose weight. ☺️...

My advice please get a couple of second opinions. DO not rely on one Dr's opinion, lab tests or advice. The last thing you need is some Dr messing up your life.. GO see a Dr at a top medical facility and make sure they are colon rectal surgeon. THe Dr's at Mayo clinic were so top notch. I only needed Tylenol for pain killers after I got home five days after surgery. Two Tylenol over the counter pills every six hours..

I wish you the best..

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3 replies
shirleyfoggepiazza | @shirleyfoggepiazza | Dec 7, 2016
In reply to @travelgirl "@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure...." + (show)
@travelgirl

@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure. MIne was located in the Cecum. The last thing I wanted was surgery. I had zero symptoms expect for H-Pylori which I caught in some third world country. A bacteria infection in my stomach. I researched a lot of options. That's when I called Mayo Clinic, the GI department is number 1 in EMR procedures. My flat polyp was in a bad spot. It laid along the appendix opening. I as well, had zero symptoms related to anything wrong with the colon. Or do I have immediate family with a history. Only distant family members with colon issues.. I ended up having to have surgery to remove a foot of my colon.

You need to seek out a top doctor who is highly skilled in EMR procedures. IF the polyp is too deep, they can't remove it via an EMR procedure. In order for them to remove it through an EMR procedure, it has to lift when they inject it with saline (I think that is what they Use) . Mine didn't lift. So they had no choice but remove it by surgery.

My polyp on two prior colonopspy's showed precancerous cells. I had these colonopspy done one in October, one in November and one in December. Then another one done six months after the surgery. With each and every surgery they found 3 to 4 additional polyps.

I am what the doctors refer to as a Polyp Farmer. Ya hit 50 and the body starts doing all kinds of crazy things..

When they removed it. The biopsy showed an andenocarcinoma arising. I'm lucky they got it all before it caused any problems. I do not need treatments. I just need a colonopspy every year. A CT scan every six months and blood work every three months. My blood work is perfect and I honestly don't notice any changes in my body after this surgery.

Except I gained 15 pounds, ugh, from not doing anything for 4 months after my surgery.

That is the only battle I'm am now fighting.. After 50 it is harder to loose weight. ☺️...

My advice please get a couple of second opinions. DO not rely on one Dr's opinion, lab tests or advice. The last thing you need is some Dr messing up your life.. GO see a Dr at a top medical facility and make sure they are colon rectal surgeon. THe Dr's at Mayo clinic were so top notch. I only needed Tylenol for pain killers after I got home five days after surgery. Two Tylenol over the counter pills every six hours..

I wish you the best..

Jump to this post

<br>Thank you @travelgirl

REPLY
shirleyfoggepiazza | @shirleyfoggepiazza | Dec 7, 2016
In reply to @travelgirl "@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure...." + (show)
@travelgirl

@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure. MIne was located in the Cecum. The last thing I wanted was surgery. I had zero symptoms expect for H-Pylori which I caught in some third world country. A bacteria infection in my stomach. I researched a lot of options. That's when I called Mayo Clinic, the GI department is number 1 in EMR procedures. My flat polyp was in a bad spot. It laid along the appendix opening. I as well, had zero symptoms related to anything wrong with the colon. Or do I have immediate family with a history. Only distant family members with colon issues.. I ended up having to have surgery to remove a foot of my colon.

You need to seek out a top doctor who is highly skilled in EMR procedures. IF the polyp is too deep, they can't remove it via an EMR procedure. In order for them to remove it through an EMR procedure, it has to lift when they inject it with saline (I think that is what they Use) . Mine didn't lift. So they had no choice but remove it by surgery.

My polyp on two prior colonopspy's showed precancerous cells. I had these colonopspy done one in October, one in November and one in December. Then another one done six months after the surgery. With each and every surgery they found 3 to 4 additional polyps.

I am what the doctors refer to as a Polyp Farmer. Ya hit 50 and the body starts doing all kinds of crazy things..

When they removed it. The biopsy showed an andenocarcinoma arising. I'm lucky they got it all before it caused any problems. I do not need treatments. I just need a colonopspy every year. A CT scan every six months and blood work every three months. My blood work is perfect and I honestly don't notice any changes in my body after this surgery.

Except I gained 15 pounds, ugh, from not doing anything for 4 months after my surgery.

That is the only battle I'm am now fighting.. After 50 it is harder to loose weight. ☺️...

My advice please get a couple of second opinions. DO not rely on one Dr's opinion, lab tests or advice. The last thing you need is some Dr messing up your life.. GO see a Dr at a top medical facility and make sure they are colon rectal surgeon. THe Dr's at Mayo clinic were so top notch. I only needed Tylenol for pain killers after I got home five days after surgery. Two Tylenol over the counter pills every six hours..

I wish you the best..

Jump to this post

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REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 7, 2016

Hi @shirleyfoggepiazza,

Thank you for all the support and information you are offering. Please note that I removed your personal email and address from this public discussion. Posts to the discussion board are public, and we don't want you getting unwanted spam etc. We recommend sharing personal contact information by private message as it is a secure, private option.
Thank you for understanding.

Shirley, if you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here:
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
If you need additional help, you can also contact a Connect community moderator by filling out this form:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

REPLY
phylicaf22 | @phylicaf22 | Mar 18, 2023
In reply to @travelgirl "@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure...." + (show)
@travelgirl

@jrsklms I had a flat ploy as well that they couldn't remove with an EMR procedure. MIne was located in the Cecum. The last thing I wanted was surgery. I had zero symptoms expect for H-Pylori which I caught in some third world country. A bacteria infection in my stomach. I researched a lot of options. That's when I called Mayo Clinic, the GI department is number 1 in EMR procedures. My flat polyp was in a bad spot. It laid along the appendix opening. I as well, had zero symptoms related to anything wrong with the colon. Or do I have immediate family with a history. Only distant family members with colon issues.. I ended up having to have surgery to remove a foot of my colon.

You need to seek out a top doctor who is highly skilled in EMR procedures. IF the polyp is too deep, they can't remove it via an EMR procedure. In order for them to remove it through an EMR procedure, it has to lift when they inject it with saline (I think that is what they Use) . Mine didn't lift. So they had no choice but remove it by surgery.

My polyp on two prior colonopspy's showed precancerous cells. I had these colonopspy done one in October, one in November and one in December. Then another one done six months after the surgery. With each and every surgery they found 3 to 4 additional polyps.

I am what the doctors refer to as a Polyp Farmer. Ya hit 50 and the body starts doing all kinds of crazy things..

When they removed it. The biopsy showed an andenocarcinoma arising. I'm lucky they got it all before it caused any problems. I do not need treatments. I just need a colonopspy every year. A CT scan every six months and blood work every three months. My blood work is perfect and I honestly don't notice any changes in my body after this surgery.

Except I gained 15 pounds, ugh, from not doing anything for 4 months after my surgery.

That is the only battle I'm am now fighting.. After 50 it is harder to loose weight. ☺️...

My advice please get a couple of second opinions. DO not rely on one Dr's opinion, lab tests or advice. The last thing you need is some Dr messing up your life.. GO see a Dr at a top medical facility and make sure they are colon rectal surgeon. THe Dr's at Mayo clinic were so top notch. I only needed Tylenol for pain killers after I got home five days after surgery. Two Tylenol over the counter pills every six hours..

I wish you the best..

Jump to this post

Where did you have it done emr

REPLY
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